Collages of Birds in Unbelievable Formations

I love these collages of found images by Seattle artist Shaun Kardinal. They remind me of M.C. Escher; however, Kardinal’s pieces are made of images taken from Google searches and friends’ Facebook and Instagram feeds. Another aspect of the work that stands out is their mode of display. Kardinal feels strongly about making cheap art, free as often as possible, and avoiding making “another precious thing for sale.” The Flying Formation images were presented digitally, exhibited on the artist’s Instagram one evening this summer.

From a statement on Kardinal’s website: “I chose my Instagram feed as the right exhibition space, and would, as a sort of durational performance, post the images over the course of two hours during Seattle’s First Thursday Art Walk. Following contemporary standards, I encouraged people to check it out with a Facebook event, but excluded any telling information and images.

When the evening came, I got myself setup at a favorite bar where, lit blue by iPhone and Macbook, I posted an image. Every ten minutes, I composed another—using Instagram’s filters and editor to finish each piece. People engaged in the set actively as I posted. In my home feed, the images mixed with shots of other work, tangible work, lining the walls of proper art spaces. I drank two whiskey-gingers and ate a plate of fries with garlic aioli. When I wrapped things up with the final title image, I closed my computer and put away my phone. Still alone at the bar, I felt newly connected to my art and community, rejuvenated and altogether satisfied with a successful project.”

All images © Shaun Kardinal

This post was contributed by photographer Emma Kisiel via her photo blog, Muybridge’s Horse.

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